Hornets, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist agree to extension

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a four-year, $52 million contract, sources confirmed Monday. The deal will keep him off the free-agent market, similar to when the Hornets signed point guard Kemba Walker to a four-year, $48 million contract a year ago.

Kidd-Gilchrist is considered the Hornets’ defensive stopper. Coach Steve Clifford has called him one of the best individual and team defenders in the league.

He averaged 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds and took no 3-point shots last season.